Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and nearby attractions
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93 within 3 miles
Attractions
86 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Southwest_GauchoLake Havasu City, Arizona1,277 contributionsGreat little park along the shoreline.Stopped in not really knowing what this park had to offer and wish we had stopped earlier on our visit to Hawaii. Lots of information here and walking but didn't have the time to take it all in on this trip. Highly recommend good walking shoes, hats, sunscreens, and water. Found the southern entrance down by the small boat harbor and checked out the beach down there and turtles. Very cool. Would return for some beach time and snorkeling. Worth stopping if you're in the area.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 3, 2023
- Catherine B3 contributionsA must see for me!At first, we were unsure where to go, but Craig, a guide from the national park gave us good advice. I recommend talking with them! So we ended up at a beach very close by, seeing many many turtles! That beach was absolutely stunning! Don't hesitate to add this visit to your travelling plans! Close to the airport (this can help you decide when you go).Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- Jeremy CAtlanta, Georgia948 contributionsSee the Sea Turtles!A flat 1 mile hike through lava rocks, and a few petroglyphs, brings you to the historical shore. In addition to being beautiful, on both of our visits we saw several sea turtles swimming close to shore. Its great just sitting on the sand and watching the turtles.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 18, 2023
- LoriTacoma, Washington49 contributionsNice historical areaWe enjoyed our visit to this historical site. We walked the trail that started by the harbor - about 3.5 miles round trip. The hike takes you by a beach with a lot of Honu (green) turtles on the rocks and in the water. Also we passed two fish ponds - one natural and the other built by native Hawaiians. One part of the trail is on a beach that is angled so it makes it a bit harder. Not a lot of signs describing what we were seeing so be sure to download the NPS app prior.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 21, 2023
- Gregory A9 contributionsTurtles near the airportThis secret gem less than 5 miles from KOA features dozens of protected green sea turtles basking in the water and on rocks and sand. Skip the visitor center and drive an extra mile south to the road that goes back to the marina. At the far end there is a labeled back gate with a VERY short walk to the ocean and turtle grounds, as well as historic walls. Great secluded beach for families, too.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- Tracy KHuntington Beach, California255 contributionsSea turtles and beautiful walk (but no shade)Short hike to the shore where you can observe sea turtles. Lots of changing land scape on the hike. Recommend not wearing sandals as part of the walk is over loose lava rocks. Get the junior ranger program books and complete them for badges for your kids.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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FSUgonoles
Littleton, CO12 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Beware, the park superintendent closes down this park if there is even a chance of rain. We arrived as the rangers were closing and locking the gate. We parked outside and walked around the park but there isn't much to see there. The sun came out less than a half hour later so we drove back but the park never reopened that day. I would say the exhibits were disappointing, at best. When we got home we emailed the superintendent and asked him to email us passport cancellation stamps so we could at least paste the stamps into our kids' NPS stamp books since they at least walked through the park but after three email attempts we gave up as the superintendent was unresponsive. The same superintendent also closed down the sister park right around the town. We did make it to Pu'ukohola Heiau which is run by another superintendent and remained open that day and this park I highly recommend as it was very educational.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandra S
Texas356 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Our family of five from Texas and Oklahoma visited Oahu and the Big Island for Spring Break! My daughter and two grandsons have received many badges from the National Park sites and we were excited to add the Hawaiian Parks to our collections. My favorite at Kaloko-Honolohau was hiking to the tide pools and seeing the sea turtles!! We also saw several of the petroglyphs on the Boardwalk! The Park Ranger working the day we visited was friendly and answered all the questions we had! She also explained some very important Hawaiian Culture and traditions!! It was very interesting to us and she explained it in a way that made sense and was interesting to my 6 and 10 year old grandsons!! I would definitely recommend Kaloka-Honolohau to anyone visiting the Big Island!!
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kala
California52 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Two mile round trip walk on mostly flat but rugged surface leading to the water. You can also drive to the spot but it is definitely walkable. Take water, a hat and wear decent slippers or sandals. You are treated to an amazing view of blue waters and sea turtles. Remember to stay 20 ft away from the turtles; when everyone crowds around them, they will not come to the shore (where they rest). Don’t hesitate to remind others to do the same. You will see people up close taking a pic of the turtles—be a good citizen and nicely tell them to step away. You’ll be surprised, they do listen! Enjoy your visit!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Arlington, TX42 contributions
Jul 2021 • Business
This was a wonderful stop for our family. The park is very well maintained and gives you the Natural Hawaii experience. It’s about a 2 mile walk (not hike) down to the beach - it’s not too shady so take water and sunscreen. The views are breathtaking from the beach and you can walk out to see lots of ocean life. My daughter slipped and sliced her foot wide open on the coral so you definitely want to wear water shoes. However, we got her to a park ranger, Jackson, who gave her first aid and a ride back to the parking lot. He was extremely calm and helpful and well trained. I would definitely recommend the park to people/families of all ages who can make the walk.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rubyrjm
Saskatoon, Canada22 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I (46 yo) visited mid-April with my 12 yo and 14 yo kids. We stopped at the visitor's center for a quick history of the site and then walked the path down to the water. The path is a little rough but was not challenging for us. There is a little boardwalk loop on the path that is not marked and is the petroglyph site.
My mom (76 yo) drive down to the water and met us at the beach where we checked out the fish pond and fish trap. She used her walking sticks and had no problem on the lava rocks and sand. We saw two sra turtles and called the visit a success!
My mom (76 yo) drive down to the water and met us at the beach where we checked out the fish pond and fish trap. She used her walking sticks and had no problem on the lava rocks and sand. We saw two sra turtles and called the visit a success!
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K H
San Antonio, TX33 contributions
Feb 2020
This beach is the best kept secret on the west side of the island. We went on a geology/sea turtle walk with the geologist and park ranger and learned so much about the types of lava, history of the area, and of course sea turtles. We went to this beach almost everyday on our vacation and saw sea turtles every time. It is a state law to keep 20 feet away from the turtles which most people observe but others pay no mind. Most need gentle reminding. The number of sea turtles coming to this beach has dwindled over the years for a variety of factors with the major factor being plastics in the water. The turtles eat the plastic while in the ocean which they can't excrete, thus taking up precious room in their bellies for nutrition. This beach is a great place to go exploring among the tide pools and is never very crowded. Not a good place for swimming or body surfing as there are no real waves due to the nature of the old fish traps. A real nature lovers beach!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steamboat323
Windsor, CO616 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I parked at the marina and there's a little trailhead right there on the right side of the parking lot. We arrived at dawn and it was a quick walk through some trees on the path to the beach. The sunrise was gorgeous and there was only one other person on the beach. The national park sign says it opens at 8:30 am but you can walk on the path at any time. Access was free.
The views are beautiful and you can just explore and wander. We did not see any turtles - maybe too early in the morning - but we did find a sea urchin perched on a lava rock. Very peaceful area, not for family swimming or anything like that.
The views are beautiful and you can just explore and wander. We did not see any turtles - maybe too early in the morning - but we did find a sea urchin perched on a lava rock. Very peaceful area, not for family swimming or anything like that.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean T
Copenhagen20 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We chose to walk from the visitor center, where the ranger was super friendly and helpful, to the turtle beach. The walk was very hot as the lava rocks radiated the heat. Once we got to the beach, there were turtles everywhere and there is a breakwater and thus very calm water for swimming. If you come here, I would recommend driving to the marina and then taking the short 2-3 minute walk to the turtle beach. It’s easier and the walk we took didn’t have that much to see.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelsey P
San Rafael, CA117 contributions
Oct 2022
It was interesting to come here and learn about the ahupua'a land divisions and agriculture of the Hawaiians. Due to time constraints we only did the hike as far as the petroglyphs, which were cool to see. I do wish we had taken the time to go down to the beach and see the turtles - maybe next time. The ranger at the visitor center was super friendly and helpful (I didn't catch her name). The site is right near downtown Kailua-Kona and is free so definitely worth a visit.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith K
Vancouver, Canada82 contributions
Nov 2019
The sand was hot, clear ocean water all the beaches are clear. Warning signs for there are turtles, and I recommend the afternoon. This is when the sea turtles like to come up on the shore. If the caution signs and ribbon is not up please keep back from them at least 30 feet.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotting794620
Honolulu, Hawaii
Did you walk from the Kailua-Kona cruise port? Do you know if there are any taxi's that will take you there (my 84 year old mother will be with us).
Thanks for you help!
Annette
Written January 29, 2020
discounthawaiicarrental Check them out online, no commitment and you compare your opportunities I think you’ll think a car rental would be very convenient. Blessings
Written February 14, 2020
It appears there are two ways to access the beach - one through the park and the other by walking north from near Honokohau Harbor. Which is the best route?
Written September 6, 2016
The route from the Park Display and Historical Site is about a 4 mile walk using a very hot paved sidewalk. Do not go through that route. There is a very short route via the marina. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. There, you will find a gate into the park. Park your car and proceed through the gate. Go left, west towards the ocean and follow that paved path. You will walk about 1/2 mile onto the beach. Enjoy the turtles, they are amazing.
Written September 7, 2016
We will have a t 3 yr old and a 1 yr old and a 9 yr old and three grandmothers!!!
I think we would be able to do this park if it is not too difficult to get around in.
We will be living in a home over by Beach 69 in Kona area while the children's parents are taking their vacation. How far would this be for us to travel? Could we do this in a day trip?
Written May 6, 2016
The route from the Park Display and Historical Site is about a 4 mile walk using a very hot paved sidewalk. Do not go through that route. There is a very short route via the marina. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. There, you will find a gate into the park. Park your car and proceed through the gate. Go left, west towards the ocean and follow that paved path. You will walk about 1/2 m
Written September 7, 2016
Is this area accessible for children?
Written March 13, 2016
The route from the Park Display and Historical Site is about a 4 mile walk using a very hot paved sidewalk. Do not go through that route. There is a very short route via the marina. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. There, you will find a gate into the park. Park your car and proceed through the gate. Go left, west towards the ocean and follow that paved path. You will walk about 1/2 mile through the forest and come into the park. Enjoy the turtles... they are amazing.
Written September 7, 2016
Hi, wanting to know if this place is ADA accessible, my mother has a hard time getting around but I know she would love to see these turtles.
Thank You
Written May 16, 2015
The route from the Park Display and Historical Site is about a 4 mile walk using a very hot paved sidewalk. Do not go through that route. There is a very short route via the marina. Enter the marina and go to the right part of the marina, first right turn. Proceed around the bend to the west end of a very large parking lot. There, you will find a gate into the park. Park your car and proceed through the gate. Go left, west towards the ocean and follow that paved path. You will walk about 1/2 mile through the forest and come into the park. Enjoy the turtles... they are amazing.
Written September 7, 2016
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